Overview

Replay by Sharon Creech

Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech's inspired novel tells the story of a boy who fantasizes about who he is in order to discover who he will become. Now with fresh and gorgeous new cover art, this touching tale has received many starred reviews, and was called a "warm, funny, philosophical novel" by Kirkus Reviews.

With the backdrop of a large family and a theater as its frame, this is a story about twelve-year-old Leo, who has a talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. That's why he's called "fog boy." He's always dreaming, always replaying things in his brain. As an actor in the school play, he is poised and ready for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, he is eager to discover what part will be his.

With the universal theme of finding one's true identity, and set amid a loud, noisy, memorable family, Leo's story is one that all kids will relate to. And there's a full play at the end of the book that kids and teachers can perform!

About the Author

Sharon Creech has written twenty books for young people and is published in over twenty languages. Her books have received awards in both the U.S. and abroad, including the Newbery Medal for Walk Two Moons, the Newbery Honor for The Wanderer, and Great Britain’s Carnegie Medal for Ruby Holler.

Before beginning her writing career, Sharon Creech taught English for fifteen years in England and Switzerland. She and her husband now live in Maine, “lured there by our grandchildren,” Creech says. “Moo was inspired by our mutual love of Maine and by our granddaughter’s involvement in a local 4-H program. We have all been enchanted with the charms of cows.”

www.sharoncreech.com

Hometown:

Pennington, New Jersey

Date of Birth:

July 29, 1945

Place of Birth:

Cleveland, Ohio

Education:

B.A., Hiram College, 1967; M.A., George Mason University, 1978

Editorial Reviews

Twelve-year-old Leo carries an indelible, slightly odious nickname: Sardine. In his day-to-day life, he often feels squished within a tin. In his fantasies, though, Leo is no sardine. He soars with dreams, replays memories, and speculates about who he could become. Rehearsing for the school play serves as both catharsis and meditation for this shy, introspective boy. This charming, ultimately cheering book by the author of Walk Two Moons and The Wanderer is a good pick for reflective, slightly timid young readers.

The play's the thing in this uneven audio adaptation of Creech's latest novel. Though he has a grand imagination and big dreams, young Leo often feels invisible in his large Italian family. None of his accomplishments seems to measure up to his siblings' efforts and he is the only one excited about his winning a role in the school production of drama teacher Mr. Beeber's play. Along with learning his lines, Leo spends much of his time rewinding and replaying scenes from his life, of course, dramatically fashioned to his liking. But fantasy and reality dovetail nicely at the end as Leo learns more about his family and his role in it. The elements of the play-within-the-novel device and the inclusion of Leo's frequent daydreams make the story's transition to audio a bit rough. At the recording's outset, readers hear a lengthy listing of Leo's extended family members as well as a recitation of the cast list for the play. These components may prove helpful in print, but are overwhelming and somewhat confusing on audio. Throughout, Burns reads with an often halting rhythm, rarely allowing readers to catch the beat of the tale, or of some of the more poignant or humorous bits in the writing. His deep voice frequently sounds like an old-fashioned radio announcer, which sometimes detracts from the youthful underpinnings here. Unfortunately, a full-cast reading of the bizarre school play at the end is an exercise in patience. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Leo is part of a large, noisy Italian American family, and he often feels overwhelmed and overlooked, like "a little sardine, squashed in a tin." In his frequent Walter Mitty-like daydreams, though, he is always the center of attention, heroic and talented. When Leo comes across his father's boyhood journal in the attic, he learns more about his father's life and dreams, and about his father's long-estranged sister. And when Leo is chosen to be in the school play (even if he is cast as an old crone!), he learns more about himself, his role in life and in his family, and the transformative power of the imagination. He starts to understand how to reconcile fantasy and reality, and he helps to reconcile his family members, too. Told in the form of a play, with dialog in script form, this tale explores Creech's familiar themes of coping with loss, journeying into the past and arriving at self-discovery in a poignant yet hopeful way. The play in which Leo performs is included at the end. Another tour-de-force from the Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons and other notable YA novels. KLIATT Codes: J*Exceptional book, recommended for junior high school students. 2005, HarperCollins, 240p., and (Lib. bdg: ). Ages 12 to 15. Paula Rohrlick

KLIATT

Meet Leo, a 12-year-old boy as shy and self-conscious as Jack (Love That Dog) and as introspective and mature-beyond-his years as Annie (Heartbeat). Sharon Creech's newest novel is written in traditional prose about a boy whose nickname is Sardine. Leo frequently daydreams his way out of squished invisibility by imagining himself a hero in all sorts of implausible scenarios. He is usually brought back to reality when a sibling shouts, "Hey, sardine-o. Your turn to clean the bathroom." Leo's compassion awakens unexpected sensitivities and stories of the past in family members, friends and most likely readers as well. Rehearsal for a school play is a constant thread in the story (the full play is included at the end of the book) and Leo even imagines what it would be like if we all had scripts for our lives, handed out when we are twelve years old: "You could know what dumb things you will do. You could find out if you ever will do anything that isn't dumb." This is an uplifting story, filled with touching, quirky and funny moments that could inspire thoughtful conversation or even playwriting at home or in class. 2005, Harper Collins, Ages 8 to 12. Karen Leggett

Children's Literature

To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, September 2005: Leo is part of a large, noisy Italian American family, and he often feels overwhelmed and overlooked, like "a little sardine, squashed in a tin." In his frequent Walter Mitty-like daydreams, though, he is always the center of attention, heroic and talented. When Leo comes across his father's boyhood journal in the attic, he learns more about his father's life and dreams, and about his father's long-estranged sister. And when Leo is chosen to be in the school play (even if he is cast as an old crone!), he learns more about himself, his role in life and in his family, and the transformative power of the imagination. He starts to understand how to reconcile fantasy and reality, and he helps to reconcile his family members, too. Told in the form of a play, with dialog in script form, this tale explores Creech's familiar themes of coping with loss, journeying into the past and arriving at self-discovery in a poignant yet hopeful way. The play in which Leo performs is included at the end. Another tour-de-force from the Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons and other notable YA novels.

KLIATT - Paula Rohrlick

Gr 6-8-Meet Leonardo. His family calls him "sardine," as he often feels smashed between Contento, his moody older sister, and his two younger brothers, Pietro and Nunzio. His life is filled with possibilities; he's a dreamer (which gains him the additional nickname of "fog boy"). But two events converge in unexpected ways, leading to new understanding, growth, and insight. Leo finds a journal written by his father at age 13 and is chosen for a part in a play written by the drama teacher entitled "Rumpopo's Porch." To his dismay, he is given the role of the Old Crone and the journal presents a person whom Leo doesn't know. Gradually, however, the Old Crone comes to appreciate Rumpopo just as Leo begins to see glimmers of the 13-year-old boy who matured into his now-frazzled father. Life, like plays and replays, has a cyclical nature. A rift in Leo's large, noisy, and completely realistic family begins to heal after a near disaster when Nunzio is injured, just as a hole created by loss can heal. Leo's fantasies intertwine with actual events, adding humor and insight. Characters are brilliantly delineated by their actions, reports of Leo's observations, and short dialogues presented in both conversations and in screenplay form. As Leo matures, nuggets of wisdom emerge from the simple text in this beautifully crafted novel. The script of "Rumpopo's Porch" is included to further clarify parallels. For in the end, "all the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players."-Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

One of four children in a large, chaotic Italian-American family, 12-year-old Leo is nicknamed "sardine" because he once said he felt squished like one, and occasionally "fog boy" because he slips into thoughtful trances where he "replays" life's disappointing scenarios. Papa says Leo can make "gold from pebbles," and indeed, in Leo's amusingly grandiose imaginings, readers will behold the often-stumbling, invisible-feeling boy emerge as the Nobel Prize winner or famous actor he was (possibly) born to be. When Leo gets the part of "old crone" in the school play, he analyzes that character, but more important, he examines his own life's role, and that of his once-vivacious, now distant father. In this warm, funny, philosophical novel, Creech cleverly juxtaposes life and stage life, complete with a cast of characters, short chapters listed as scenes and pieces of dialogue recorded as script. By the end, Leo knows life can't be scripted, that he wouldn't want it to be, that "dorky, little nobody kids" (not that he is one) can become "amazing grown-ups" and that improvisation is key. (complete script of the school play) (Fiction. 8-12)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I had to read this for school. It was a group decision and this book won. I was very surprised about the beginng and how they called Lou "sardine"... I ended up liking this book.

JANICE JOHNSON

More than 1 year ago

This book is really interesting. If you like this book you should read ruby holler.

Katarina Vattes

More than 1 year ago

amazing book you have to read it!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Replay is an awesome book for all ages about a boy and his family with the ordinary problems of an ordinary kid. It is a funny, thrilling, and exiting book of witch he faces the real world and then he makes it his world in his mind. He is also facing a problem in a play in the story when he has to play an embarrassing person in costume! It is a well written story with a great author and is a fun adventure filled story! But it is an absorbing story and immediately drags you in to its pages. If you remember your time in school or when you were a kid and all of a sudden every thing changes and you are as confused as if you are in the wrong world! That¿s how he feels about life. A secret journal also pops up into the story but you will have to read it first! I would advise that you read this amazing book!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Good book.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

First of all, (to other reviewer) if you haven't read even one page of it, then how can you know how good the book is?!? Replay isn't the type of book that draws you in from the first sentence, considering the first few pages are a play-like description of the characters. This is one of the greatest books of all time. It's funny, unusual, and quirky... not to mention extraordinarily unique. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is not too lazy to read it!!!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I started the book i'm only on page 8 butt i<3 this book and i love Creech,Sharon i will sudgest another book by this author Ruby Holler it is a good book also.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

*Love this book!*
*=lovin it

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

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More than 1 year ago

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I am an actress who read this book. I read some things that have happened to me before! I really connected with Leo. Sharon Creech is a wonderful author! Leo¿s family is very interesting to read about. When ever they have a family dinner with his WHOLE family Leo always says or does something wrong, its always interesting to read about. This is a good book for anyone who's in for a funny book, or if you¿re an actor or an actress or a director. Its realistic fiction.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

i am a girl that likes storys about real things that go on in life.i felt this book was made for me.i do not like many books but this one is in my top 5.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I would suggest this book if you are looking for a fun book. The auther dosent just say he is happy she uses great details. once when leo, aka sardine got the part in the play so he sprinted home without stopping in exitment to tell her. I also liked this book becaus it is in the eyes of an actor. If you like the theator then i would suggest this book because it gives all the stregh and weaknesses of an aactor. it is also a good book because it is kida like a mystery because you want to find out what his dad wrote in his autobiography. This can also be a funny book because in his dads autobiography on one page it sais he loves to tap-dance when he is happy. thhat part realy made me laugh. i would highly recomend this book because the chapters are short so you say to yourself i can do one more and and it ends up happening again. i would also recaomend this book because it shows the life of an actor. this is also a good book because it is a mix of genere. it has mystery, funny and drama.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

If you are looking for a great but fun book then read Replay. I would sugest this because is it a fun and easy book. The chapters are short and it is interesting. although there are a lot of pages you will look inside and read the first page and say i want to read this book. This book is interesting because 3 brothers all have completely different personalitys.one likes football, one likes chorus, and one like the play. leo the one who likes the play makes it as the old crone. although he does not know what that even is he still has a great time.even though at some points he is feeling sick ,sad or happy it is still a great book. This book gives o ton of details and makes it so you can picture yourself there. You wil always know where you are because the auther gives such great description. you will also want to keep reading because although the chapters are short they all leave you with a cliff hanger and a question to ask yourself.i would highly suggest that people that love the theater would read this because this book is the life in an actors eyes. this book also doesnt just say he is happy it gives description and tells you every detail like, he sprinted home as fast as he could to tell his mom he got the lead.overall i think that this is a great bookand that you should read this. this book is outstanding and not boaring so go grab this book from the store and just read the first page. after thatt you are hooked.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Leo, or 'Fog Boy', captures peoples imaginations in the way he daydreams. This is not only one of my favorite books, but a novel that tells you how to make 'gold from pebbles'. Leo is an actor, but his family has their moody ways and pays no attention to him. But Leo overlooks that and knows one day he will be a star. Here is not only a tale of acting, but Sharon Creech's best novel, I think.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I am a 6th grader. We had to read this book for(battle of the books).It is a good book if you like plays. Leo finds his fathers autobiography at age 13 and is caught up in a new world. And who is this mystery girl?

Guest

More than 1 year ago

The book that I¿m reviewing is called Replay. Reply is a great book for people that likes plays. This book is by a person named Sharon Creech. She also wrote the book called Love that Dog. This story starts off as if Leo is a great hero but he¿s just another boy that dreams a lot. Leo is one of the main characters from this book. There are lots of different things in the book that happens like when Leo finds out that he has a aunt he never met before. Until one of his relatives tells him later on about his mysterious aunt in the story. He also doesn¿t know if he would want to do the play. Also he found out that he has two sides of his dad This book was hard to put down for me. The end is pretty good. I hope you read it.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Replay is about the life of a little boy named Leo, otherwise known as Sardine, or Fog Boy. Leo is a dreamer (which is why one of his nicknames is Fog Boy) who feels his life is cramped with his two brothers and sister (which is where Sardine comes from.) Leo learns a lot about his own family and growing up as he practices for his part in the school play and reads his father's autobiography at age 13.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

¿Sardine! Fog Boy!¿ yelled Pietro. At the beginning, Leo¿s family was neglecting him, so he spent his time daydreaming, which is why his family and friends and even teachers called him those nicknames. His real name is Leonardo and he is twelve years old. He also has two younger brothers named Pietro and Nunzio, and one older sister named Contento. Since the rest of his family had after school activities, he decided to try out for the play. It was called Rumpopo¿s Porch. As Leo was rummaging through boxes in his attic, he found a box that says GIORGIO, which is his father¿s name. When he opens it he finds two things that get him into trouble and that help him with his problems. This book, Replay, written by Sharon Creech is very interesting. I enjoyed it because it makes you want to keep reading because you never know what is going to happen next. I recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic fiction, plays, and an interesting short read.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This book is about a young boy trying to find his place in the family. He discovers a lot about his Father's past, and in a sense, brings the family closer together. This book jumps around a lot, but overall, it was a good story. It was different though. I liked it.

GailCooke

More than 1 year ago

A cast headed by Christopher Burns gives full voice to a large Italian family. Italian or not, 12-year-old Leo's family is very much like all others - sometimes happy, at other times in disagreement. But, somehow in the words of Newbery Medalist Sharon Creech Leo's household bursts with more laughter than most. Like many young folks, Leo has a few nicknames - 'Sardine' because he is sometimes sandwiched between his older sister and his two younger brothers. He's also referred to as 'Fog Boy' because he's a dreamer. He's just been given a part in the school play and, as his Dad says, 'Leo, you make gold from pebbles' because Leo fantasizes about starring on Broadway. At other times, he dreams he's going to be a genius. This is, a story about growing up. Not surprisingly, there are sometimes conflicts between father and son. However, when Leo discovers a diary his father kept when he was Leo's age, understanding soon follows. Highly recommended for listeners in grades 5 through 7. - Gail Cooke

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